I cannot emphasize this enough: apply. Apply to that summer program, that internship, that fellowship or that scholarship. I had NONE of the requirements to participate on my first summer program (NSF-REU). It was for Juniors and Seniors, I was fresh out of my freshman year 1/

I didn’t have the science classes pre-requisites or the GPA minimum. But I wanted to do it so bad. I wanted to learn, explore research and challenge myself.

And that’s exactly what I wrote on my personal statement. And I quote myself “I refuse to let my GPA or lack 2/

“of pre-requisites to stop me from showing how passionate I am about research and how excited it makes me to know I have so much more to learn”

The worst you can get it’s a no. But if you stay true to yourself, someone will notice. At least one person will pick up your app 3/

And see your potential. Your honesty and determination will touch them.

I did two NIH-funded summer programs after that and I still did not meet most of the requirements. But I never let that stop me.

So PLEASE, do not let it stop you. Keep fighting and keep pushing.

I also want to add that I got rejected for tons of programs, fellowships and scholarships. Felt like a failure and spent a significant amount of time crying. I struggled through applications and did 3x more work.

It wasn’t easy but, it was definitely worth it.